In one of his talks, Pope John Paul II remarked that there seemed to have been fewer healings at Lourdes, the major healing center of the world. He thought that this might have indicated fewer healings in general throughout the world. The pope realized the difficulty in knowing how many are healed. However, let us assume that the pope's observation was correct. Why may there be fewer healings?

• Healings, especially for Christians, are often based on faith (e.g. Mt 9:22). Possibly our faith is weak.
• Healings accompany the proclamation of God's word (see Mk 16:15-18). Our lack of evangelization may limit the opportunities for healing.
• The Lord uses medical technology to heal. However, many don't realize that the Lord, not the technology, does the healing.
• No one deserves healing. The Lord heals us in His mercy. Mercy is given especially to the merciful (see Mt 5:7). However, our culture of death is unforgiving and often merciless. Most people, even Catholics, still believe in "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (see Mt 5:38). We want our rights, even if the price is to execute a few criminals. "Should a man nourish anger against his fellows and expect healing from the Lord?" (Sir 28:3) Will God give His healing mercies to the merciless?

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 18, 2013

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